CRBC News
Culture
Society
Security
Health
Conflict
Science
Technology
Politics
Environment
Lifestyle
Economy

Preliminary Autopsy Finds Pesticide Gas Likely Killed Turkish‑German Family in Istanbul Hotel

A preliminary autopsy indicates a Turkish‑German family of four likely died after inhaling phosphine gas released from a pesticide or fumigant used in their Istanbul hotel room. The two children died first, followed by their mother and then their father over subsequent days. Traces of phosphine were found on towels, masks and swabs, and food poisoning has been ruled out. Authorities have arrested 11 people, closed the hotel and opened a criminal investigation amid calls for stricter safety oversight.

09:30 PM, 11/26/2025Society
Preliminary Autopsy Finds Pesticide Gas Likely Killed Turkish‑German Family in Istanbul Hotel

Summary: A preliminary autopsy indicates a Turkish‑German family of four, staying in a hotel in Istanbul's Fatih district, were likely poisoned by phosphine gas released from a pesticide used to treat a pest infestation in their room. The couple and their two young children fell ill over several days and later died; investigators found phosphine traces on linens and other items in the room.

What happened

The Bocek family arrived in Istanbul from Germany and checked into a hotel in the Fatih district. They first became unwell on Nov. 12, went to a hospital by taxi for treatment, and returned to their hotel. They fell ill again the following day and were taken by ambulance back to hospital.

The two children — Kadir Muhammet, 6, and Masal, 3 — died on the same day they were re-hospitalized. Their mother, Cigdem, died on Nov. 14, and their father, Servet, died on Nov. 17.

Autopsy and findings

A preliminary autopsy report submitted to the prosecutor found traces of phosphine gas on towels, masks and swab samples taken from multiple locations inside the hotel room. Investigators say phosphine is associated with certain pesticides and fumigants and can be highly toxic when inhaled. The autopsy also concluded the family were not poisoned by food, removing earlier concerns that what they ate during city tours was to blame.

Investigation, arrests and public response

Authorities have arrested 11 people in connection with the case and closed the hotel. Those detained reportedly include the hotel owner, hotel staff members, several food vendors and pest control workers. Two other tourists staying at the same hotel experienced nausea and vomiting and were hospitalized.

The deaths have intensified public concern about hotel safety, pest-control practices and regulatory oversight. Turkey's president said security forces and prosecutors will pursue the necessary investigations, and Istanbul's regional health chief, Abdullah Emre Guner, said the probe is "being conducted with the utmost diligence" and offered condolences to the victims' relatives.

Next steps

Investigators will continue toxicology analyses and pursue legal inquiries to determine responsibility for the pesticide application and any lapses in hotel safety protocols. The closed hotel remains under investigation while authorities examine records, procedures and the actions of pest-control operators and staff.

Similar Articles

Trending